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Aged care laws in Australia have now changed. The new Aged Care Act 2024 and Aged Care Rules 2025 now apply. While we complete updating of our website, including draft guidance and other materials, to align with the new laws, providers are advised to refer to the new Act and Rules for any required clarification of their obligations and legal responsibilities. Thank you for your patience.

Quality Standards Resource Centre

The Quality Standards Resource Centre helps extend understanding of the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, which take effect from 1 November 2025. The Resource Centre will be updated to reflect key changes made to the draft strengthened Standards. You can search for resources by using keywords, or filtering by standard, outcome, audience and theme. Before using the Resource Centre, please read the terms of use.

Displaying 21 to 40 of 88 result(s)
/quality-standards/trauma-informed-care-and-practice-organisational-toolkit

Trauma-informed Care and Practice Organisational Toolkit

Tool

This toolkit provides guidance for organisations on implementing trauma-informed care practices, aiming to improve safety, trust, and empowerment in care settings. It outlines strategies to adapt policies, environments, and staff approaches to better support people with trauma histories in various care environments.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Person-centred care, Accountability and quality system, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
1: The Individual, 2: The Organisation, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.1: Person-centred care, 2.3: Accountability, quality system and policies and procedures, 3.2: Delivery of funded aged care services
Trauma-informed Care and Practice Organisational Toolkit
/quality-standards/national-antimicrobial-prescribing-survey-naps

National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (NAPS)

Tool

This survey resource provides a framework for assessing antimicrobial prescribing practices in aged care and other health settings. It supports health facilities in evaluating the appropriateness of antimicrobial use through audit tools and data collection, contributing to antimicrobial stewardship and improved patient care quality.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (NAPS)
/quality-standards/ageing-and-communication

Ageing and Communication

Fact sheet

This resource discusses age-related communication changes, covering sensory, speech, language, and cognitive adjustments. It offers strategies for improving communication, such as using hearing aids, choosing quiet settings, and involving speech pathologists, helping older people and their families maintain effective and enjoyable communication.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life
Standard
1: The Individual
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life
Ageing and Communication
/quality-standards/supported-decision-making

Supported decision-making

Tool

This resource explains supported decision-making, a process that helps people retain control over choices in their lives, even with cognitive challenges. It outlines how aged care providers can support people’s decisions, providing information in accessible formats and respecting autonomy, as endorsed by national and international rights frameworks.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Choice, independence and quality of life, Assessment and planning
Standard
1: The Individual, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life, 3.1 Assessment and planning
Supported decision-making
/quality-standards/eldac-managing-risk-toolkit

ELDAC Managing Risk Toolkit

Tool
Last Updated

This resource provides the Managing Risk Toolkit designed for health professionals and care staff involved in palliative care and advance care planning for older people in residential care. It offers guidance on managing risks in areas such as nutrition, hydration, medication management, and care transitions at the end of life. The toolkit includes fact sheets, practical tips, and downloadable materials to support safe, effective care.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Risk management system
Standard
2: The Organisation
Outcomes
2.4: Risk management
ELDAC Managing Risk Toolkit
/quality-standards/fact-sheet-enrolled-nurses-and-medicines-administration

Fact sheet - Enrolled nurses and medicines administration

Fact sheet
Last Updated

This fact sheet outlines the requirements for enrolled nurses (ENs) in Australia regarding the administration of medicines. It details the education and qualifications needed to administer medications, the specific conditions under which ENs may administer intravenous medicines, and guidance on removing any limitations from their registration. The document also emphasises adherence to legislation, policies, and safe practices.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Medication management
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.3: Safe and quality use of medicines
Fact sheet - Enrolled nurses and medicines administration
/quality-standards/communication-after-stroke

Communication after stroke

Fact sheet

This resource provides information on communication difficulties an person may encounter after experiencing a stroke. It discusses how strokes can affect communication, treatment to assist with communication, information on recovery, communication tips for family and friends and help resources for individuals.

Author
External resource
Key Theme
Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.4: Comprehensive care
Communication after stroke
/quality-standards/are-you-alert-and-ready-safeguarding-against-infectious-illness-aged-care-settings

Are you alert and ready? Safeguarding against infectious illness in aged care settings

Fact sheet
Published date

Older Australians, particularly those that reside in residential aged care settings or in multigenerational households, are vulnerable to the ongoing risk of contracting and becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 and other highly infectious illnesses such as influenza and gastroenteritis.

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Emergency and disaster management, Infection prevention and control
Standard
2: The Organisation, 4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
2.10: Emergency and disaster management, 4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
are you alert and ready thumbnail
/quality-standards/my-food-and-dining-preferences-form

My food and dining preferences - form

Fact sheet
Published date
Last Updated

This fact sheet helps aged care residents communicate their food and dining preferences. It includes sections for meal choices, dining preferences, assistance needs, health considerations, cultural or religious customs, and contact information for allied health professionals. It also advises staff to monitor changes in weight and contact a dietitian if needed. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards. 

 

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Food and nutrition, Delivering comprehensive care and services, Assessment and planning
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 6: Food and Nutrition, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks, 3.1 Assessment and planning, 7.1: Daily living
Image of Food and dining preferences fact sheet
/quality-standards/advance-care-planning-information-clinicians

Advance care planning - Information for clinicians

Fact sheet
Published date

This resource guides clinicians on the importance of advance care planning, particularly for those with life-limiting illnesses, chronic conditions, or cognitive impairment. It outlines the need for early conversations about patient preferences and comprehensive care, ensuring decisions are documented, shared, and align with clinical handover processes to respect patient autonomy and improve care outcomes. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Palliative and end of life care, Assessment and planning
Standard
5: Clinical Care, 3: The Care and Services
Outcomes
5.7: Palliative care and end-of-life care, 3.1 Assessment and planning
Advance care planning - Information for clinicians
/quality-standards/aura-2023-highlights-aged-care

AURA 2023 Highlights for Aged care

Fact sheet
Published date

This resource summarises key findings from the AURA 2023 report, focusing on antimicrobial use and resistance in aged care. It provides priorities for action to reduce inappropriate prescriptions, promote antimicrobial stewardship, and improve infection prevention and control in aged care settings, aligning with quality standards to enhance care for older people. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
AURA 2023 Highlights for Aged care
/quality-standards/aged-care-infection-prevention-and-control-training-tool

Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control Training Tool

Tool
Published date

This resource is a training tool designed to help develop and record infection prevention and control training sessions in aged care. It includes templates for learning objectives, content development, and assessment methods, ensuring effective delivery of key infection control practices using structured guidance and eLearning resources. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control Training Tool
/quality-standards/comprehensive-care-clinical-assessment-and-diagnosis-key-actions-health-service-organisations

Comprehensive Care - Clinical assessment and diagnosis - Key actions for health service organisations

Fact sheet
Published date

This resource provides actions for health service organisations to support clinical assessment and diagnosis, promoting a person-centred approach and comprehensive care planning. It highlights training, clear communication of roles, and systems for documenting diagnoses and care plans. 

This resource may apply to healthcare contexts outside of aged care. Please consider the applicability of this resource to your care setting. This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Assessment and planning, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
3.1 Assessment and planning, 5.4: Comprehensive care
Comprehensive Care - Clinical assessment and diagnosis - Key actions for health service organisations
/quality-standards/comprehensive-care-clinical-assessment-and-diagnosis-key-actions-clinicians

Comprehensive Care - Clinical assessment and diagnosis - Key actions for clinicians

Fact sheet
Published date

This resource provides actions for health service organisations to support clinical assessment and diagnosis, promoting a person-centred approach and comprehensive care planning. It highlights training, clear communication of roles, and systems for documenting diagnoses and care plans. 

This resource may apply to healthcare contexts outside of aged care. Please consider the applicability of this resource to your care setting. This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Assessment and planning, Delivering comprehensive care and services
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
3.1 Assessment and planning, 5.4: Comprehensive care
Comprehensive Care - Clinical assessment and diagnosis - Key actions for clinicians
/quality-standards/covid-19-resources-health-professionals-including-aged-care-providers-pathology-providers-and-health-care-managers

COVID-19 resources for health professionals, including aged care providers, pathology providers and health care managers

Fact sheet, Guidance
Last Updated

This resource offers COVID-19 guidance for health professionals and aged care providers. It includes information on managing outbreaks, infection control, PPE use, and telehealth services. These resources support safe and effective care delivery while ensuring compliance with guidelines during the pandemic in aged care settings.

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
COVID-19 resources for health professionals, including aged care providers, pathology providers and health care managers
/quality-standards/dining-residential-aged-care-tips-and-tricks-fact-sheet

Dining in residential aged care - tips and tricks fact sheet

Fact sheet
Published date

This fact sheet provides practical tips for enhancing dining experiences in residential aged care settings. It offers guidance on food presentation, meal assistance, creating a respectful and enjoyable atmosphere, supporting independence, and providing culturally appropriate dining options. The aim is to improve mealtime satisfaction while maintaining older peoples' dignity and people's preferences. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards. 

Author
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
Key Theme
Food and nutrition
Standard
6: Food and Nutrition
Outcomes
6.1: Partnering with individuals on food and drinks
Image of Dining in residential aged care - tips and tricks fact sheet
/quality-standards/end-life-care-last-days-life

End-of-life care - Last days of life

Fact sheet
Published date

This resource provides guidance on end-of-life care during the last days of life, relevant for aged care settings. It focuses on maintaining comfort, managing symptoms, and reducing unnecessary interventions. Clinicians are supported in offering compassionate care, addressing potential emergencies, and involving family members while ensuring that older people are treated with dignity during their final days. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Palliative and end of life care
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.7: Palliative care and end-of-life care
End-of-life care - Last days of life
/quality-standards/end-life-care-clinical-basics

End-of-life care - clinical basics

Fact sheet
Published date

This resource provides key actions for clinicians delivering end-of-life care. It highlights the shift from curative to palliative approaches, emphasising communication, patient dignity, symptom management, medication review, and decision-making. It includes strategies for managing common symptoms and minimising risks to ensure safe, high-quality care in the last days of life. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Palliative and end of life care
Standard
5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
5.7: Palliative care and end-of-life care
End-of-life care - clinical basics
/quality-standards/fact-sheet-principles-safe-and-high-quality-transitions-care

Fact sheet - Principles of safe and high-quality transitions of care

Fact sheet
Published date

This resource outlines the principles for safe and high-quality transitions of care, emphasising person-centred care, multidisciplinary collaboration, and effective communication. It highlights the need for secure documentation, continuity of care, and coordination among healthcare teams to make sure smooth transitions and minimise risks during transfers between care providers. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Care coordination and transitions
Standard
3: The Care and Services, 7: The Residential Community
Outcomes
3.4: Planning and coordination of funded aged care services, 7.2: Transitions
Fact sheet - Principles of safe and high-quality transitions of care
/quality-standards/fact-sheet-asymptomatic-bacteriuria

Fact sheet - Asymptomatic bacteriuria

Fact sheet
Published date

This fact sheet offers guidance on managing asymptomatic bacteriuria and reducing inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing for residents of aged care facilities. It details symptoms, strategies to decrease unwarranted antimicrobial prescriptions for asymptomatic bacteriuria, and an assessment and treatment framework for residents suspected of urinary tract infections. 

This resource may refer to information that will be updated from 1 November 2025 to align with the new Aged Care Act and Quality Standards.

Author
Australian Commission On Safety And Quality In Health Care
Key Theme
Infection prevention and control
Standard
4: The Environment, 5: Clinical Care
Outcomes
4.2: Infection prevention and control, 5.2: Preventing and controlling infections in delivering clinical care services
Fact sheet - Asymptomatic bacteriuria